4forward8back, you raise some valid points and your struggle sounds very unfortunate however I don't see why you quoted me there.
The statement still stands, popularity and merit do go hand in hand, obviously.
Someone who has all the great attributes desired from a pilot will be popular. They are judged favourably based on merit and subsequently will be popular.
On the flip side take some snotty nosed moron who pays to fly, pays for icus and all the expenses that the company should cover. This person is an awful pilot and socially retarded. He is neither popular nor favourable based on merit. The only reason he is there is because he contributes to the bottom line. And these are the people impeding your career.